🍽️ The new plan for saving Denver’s dining scene

🍽️ The New Plan for Saving Denver’s Dining Scene

Two local restaurant veterans — Dana Faulk Query of Big Red F Restaurant Group and Adam Schlegel of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — are taking on the brand new role of restaurant liaisons for the city. The position was created to bridge the gap between restaurant operators and city agencies in an effort to strengthen communication and streamline regulatory processes. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Worth noting: The new position is a result of discussions with the mayor that stemmed from a frustrated letter penned by Query’s husband and business partner Dave Query earlier this year. The letter was co-signed by more than a dozen fellow restaurant owners. [BusinessDen 🔒]

🛴 Can Scooters Get More People on Public Transit?

Most Denver residents live more than a mile away from the nearest bus or train stop, making them less likely to actually use public transportation. A new pilot project through RTD aims to address that problem by partnering with Lime and Bird to offer free scooter rides, up to a mile, to public transit stations. For its first two pilot years — set to begin in 2026 — the program will serve the DU and Decatur-Federal stations. [Denverite]

• More where that came from: This initiative is just one of several new transit pilot projects being funded through RTD’s Partnership Program. [Denver Gazette 🔒]

📬 You Asked, We Answered

Will your neighborhood get a piece of the Vibrant Denver bond pie? From bike lanes to bridges, the City Cast Denver podcast crew breaks down the latest bond changes, plus responds to listener comments and questions about back-to-office mandates, downtown’s ongoing building vacancy problems, and more hot topics from recent episodes. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏛️ Colorado Lawmakers Return to the Capitol

Gov. Jared Polis has called Colorado lawmakers back for a special legislative session to begin on Aug. 21. The main goal is to address a massive shortfall in the state budget as a result of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” but the governor also plans to revisit Colorado’s new, first-in-the-nation AI law scheduled to go into effect next February.

• Until then: Polis ordered a hiring freeze for state agencies through the end of the year, which he hopes will save $3-7 million in the meantime. [CO Sun]

From a swanky African speakeasy to a star-studded chef collab, here are several new restaurants we can’t wait to try. Plus, news of a devastating loss for South Broadway and one East Colfax fave fighting to survive.

New to the Scene

Trybal | 1670 Champa St. (Central Business District)

Opening soon

Intimate and elevated, this sleek new speakeasy aims to educate as much as immerse visitors in Africa’s history and culture through food, drinks, art, and entertainment meant to create a “high-end African experience.”

Molino Chido | 2501 Dallas St. (Aurora)

Opening this fall

Michelin-honored chefs Michael Diaz de Leon (formerly of Brutø) and Tommy Lee (of Uncle and Hop Alley) are going for “simple and fun” with a Mexico City-inspired taco shop slated to open inside the Stanley Marketplace later this year.

Teocalli Cocina | 1575 Boulder St. (Highland)

Opened July 20

This six-year-old fan-favorite local chain out of Lafayette is finally bringing its upscale Mexican eats to Denver for a fourth outpost. Setting it apart from its north metro siblings, the LoHi location — formerly The Post Chicken & Beer — will offer an exclusive tapas menu from a speakeasy-style basement.

Kura Sushi | 1855 29th St. (Boulder)

Opened Aug. 1

With 700 locations worldwide — 82 here in the U.S. — Japan’s most famous conveyor belt sushi restaurant has made its way to Colorado at last. Kura’s rolls, ramen, and more are now available in Boulder, with plans to expand to Denver soon.

The Cherry Cricket | 1280 E 1st Ave. (Broomfield)

Opening Aug. 25

One of Denver’s oldest, most iconic burger joints is finally expanding to the ‘burbs north of the city. The new 8,500-square-foot location in Broomfield will be able to host 325 guests.

Last Chance to Visit

The Hornet | 76 Broadway (Baker)

Closing Aug. 9

After 29 years loyally serving South Denver, The Hornet is bidding farewell for good. A heartfelt social post only said that “many things have changed and become more complicated over the years.” Friends and fans are invited to stop by for an “epic sendoff” this Saturday.

Pub on Pearl | 1101 S Pearl St. (Wash Park West)

Closing Aug. 10

This game day go-to will sling its final bar specials this Sunday. The restaurant announced its closure on social media this week, marking the end of its 35-year tenure on South Pearl Street.

Tommy’s Thai | 3410 E Colfax Ave. (Congress Park)

Closing: TBD

This award-winning, family-owned East Colfax institution is sounding the alarm — 44 years serving some of Denver’s best Thai food may not be enough to keep it from being the area’s latest BRT construction casualty.

RIP

• Cap City Tavern | 1247 Bannock St. (Civic Center)
• Denver Sweet | 776 Lincoln St. (Cap Hill)
• Sullivan Scrap Kitchen | 1740 East 17th Ave. (City Park West)
• Giggling Grizzly | 1320 20th St. (Union Station)
• Le Clare's Patisserie | 2260 East Colfax Ave. (Cheesman Park)